The Impact of Implementing a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) on Minimum Service Standards in the Field of Radiology

Abstract

The use of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) has become an important step to increase the efficiency of radiology services. With PACS, fast access and flexibility in accessing patient medical images has had a major impact on reducing waiting times for radiology examination results. The aim of this research is to determine the waiting time for radiology services at the UPTD Embung Fatimah Regional Hospital, Batam City after implementing PACS. The research uses a mix-method method, namely research that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative method by collecting service time data. Qualitative method by conducting in-depth interviews (in-depth interviews) and focus group discussions (FGD) to obtain information on perceptions from service implementers and users, then researchers will assess the impact of PACS on Minimum Service Standards (SPM) in the field of radiology at UPTD RSUD Embung Fatimah Batam city.The results of this research are that the use of PACS has significantly reduced radiology service time at the UPTD Embung Fatimah Regional Hospital, Batam City. There was a significant decrease in service time for outpatient services previously from 101.09 minutes to 62 minutes or 35.3%, for inpatient services from 108.26 minutes to 65.6 minutes or 41.04% and for CITO patients from 104.27 minutes to 60.5 minutes or 41.06% after application of PACS. The views of radiologists and radiographers regarding the differences in the quality of radiology services before and after using the PACS system show that there are better changes in the efficiency and quality of radiology services in hospitals. Stakeholder perceptions related to the speed of radiology service time after using the PACS system through various factors are considered to have a positive impact. Implementation of PACS clearly shows the potential for improving the efficiency, speed, and overall quality of radiology services. There was a significant reduction in waiting time for radiology examination services at the UPTD Embung Fatimah Hospital, Batam City after the implementation of PACS, which can provide an alternative in changing workflow and efficiency of radiology services.